Compiled by Kim McDarison
The following statement from interim Chancellor Jim Henderson was released on the announcements page of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater website Monday.
It reads:
“Dear Colleagues:
“One of my three goals for my time as interim chancellor has been to help this campus hire the best chancellor possible who will be here for the long term. Over the past few days it has become clear to me that I cannot make progress on that goal. Given that, I feel that it is in both the best interest of UW-Whitewater and me personally that I resign my position as interim chancellor, and I have submitted my resignation effective at the end of the day today.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time with you. I so admire all of you and what you are accomplishing for the students at both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. I wish you the best going forward and thank you all for the incredible support that you’ve given me over the past 9 months.
“With deep appreciation,
Jim Henderson”
Also Monday, the following message from the institution’s vice chancellors was released:
“Dear university community,
“We know today’s resignation of Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson was unexpected — and that you may have many questions. At this time, we do not have additional details, but please know we are in close contact with UW System and will share information on next steps as soon as we can.
“It’s understandable to feel a sense of disappointment at this time, having gone through multiple leadership transitions over the past few years.
“The vice chancellors are united in our passionate dedication to this university — to serving all of you, our students, faculty and staff members — and we are united in our fierce commitment in moving the Whitewater and Rock County campuses forward.
“Please remember the outstanding work we have collectively accomplished. This past fall, we welcomed our largest freshman class in four years and our largest graduate class in the history of UW-Whitewater. We have addressed our budget deficit and our fiscal house is in much stronger shape for the future. Our entrepreneurial spirit, nimbleness and caring culture helped us successfully navigate a global pandemic, and campus life is thriving once again.
“As we navigate this leadership transition, thank you for wholeheartedly supporting one another as we carry on our important work of providing a transformational university education and experience to our students. During a time of unprecedented challenges, our university family has shown strong resilience and achieved important successes. We deeply appreciate you.
“With gratitude,
John Chenoweth, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs
Artanya Wesley, vice chancellor for student affairs
Jeff Arnold, interim vice chancellor for administrative affairs
Katie Kuznacic, interim vice chancellor for university relations”
A link to a UW System news release announcing Henderson as the interim chancellor in June of last year after the resignation of then-chancellor Dwight Watson is here: https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/uw-whitewater-chancellor-dwight-watson-resigns-former-uw-system-leader-jim-henderson-named-interim/.
Watson tendered his resignation on June 17, 2021, citing health reasons.
This story may be updated.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater interim Chancellor Jim Henderson. Kim McDarison photo.
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